Ever hear an interesting dental term at your dentist’s office and wonder what it meant? There are some common dental terms our team uses all the time that patients sometimes have questions about. If you are interested in any of these services or you have any further questions for us, feel free to reach out!
A tooth abscess is an infection that is concentrated around the root of a tooth and is essentially a pocket of pus. It can make itself known through pain, swelling, a change in gum color, tooth sensitivity, or fever. Abscesses require intervention from a dentist, as they cannot get better on their own and will only get worse.
Periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease that requires a custom treatment plan to be created and carried out by a dentist. Scaling and root planing are required to clear out built-up plaque and tartar from the periodontal pockets and smooth out the roots of the teeth so the gums can heal.
You may have heard the term “cary” tossed around in a dental practice before and wondered what it meant. Cary is another word for tooth decay, and can also be used to describe a cavity. Cavities and caries are small holes in the teeth that are caused by tooth decay.
Traditional veneers are made of strong, tooth-colored materials like porcelain and are designed to look natural and fit comfortably over the teeth. Veneers can give people the “Hollywood” smile they have always wanted by making their teeth appear whiter, straighter, and more uniform. Veneers are custom-designed to fit your teeth and your preferences.
A root canal is performed when the pulp inside of a tooth has become infected and must be removed. Once the infection has been cleared out, the tooth is cleaned and sealed. A dental restoration, like a crown or bridge, is usually placed on top of the tooth to strengthen it and restore its appearance.
Dental implants are small posts made of titanium that are surgically implanted into the gums. After the implant has been allowed to heal and fuse with jawbone for a couple of weeks, a natural-looking crown is added. Dental implants are very durable and tend to last many years.
Sedation dentistry simply refers to the use of anesthesia during a routine appointment or dental procedure. Riverstone Dental Care offers:
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